Dental syringe for oral hygiene



Sept. 16, 1969 s. GILBERT 3,467,082

DENTAL SYRINGE FOR ORAL HYGIENE Filed Aug. 24, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ENTOR. SAMUEL BERT Q Sept. 16, 1969 s. GIL ERT 3,467,082

DENTAL SYRINGE FOR ORAL HYGIENE Filed Aug. 24, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIGQT INVENTOR. SAMUEL GILBERT United States Patent 3,467,082 DENTAL SYRINGE FOR ORAL HYGIENE Samuel Gilbert, Encino, Calif., assignor to Hydro Manufacturing Inc., Encino, Calif., a corporation of California Filed Aug. 24, 1966, Ser. No. 574,627 Int. Cl. A61c 17/02; F16! 37/24; A61m 3/00 US. Cl. 128-66 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A dental syringe for use in cleaning the teeth and massaging gums having a housing formed with a fluid passageway extending therethrough. One end of the housing is adapted for mounting to a water faucet while its opposite end receives a fitting movably carried thereon which has a passageway in communication with the housing passageway. A syringe is coupled to the fitting by means of a flexible conduit, and valve means are rotatably carried on the housing which extend through the housing passageway for regulating the flow of fluid therethrough. Stop means are provided on the housing for limiting the movement of the valve which comprise a stationary pin carried on the housing and disposed to extend through a portion of an annular groove provided about a valve shank. A pin element carried on the shank has its opposite ends projecting into the annular groove whereby rotational movement of the valve is limited by the engagement of the opposite ends with the stationary pin disposed within a portion of the annular groove.

This invention relates to an apparatus for the promotion of oral hygiene and, more particularly, to an improved dental syringe for effecting the removal of food particles from between the teeth and that is adapted for the massage of gums.

The therapy in common chronic periodontal disease constitutes one of the main problems in dentistry, and one that is far from being satisfactorily resolved. Since food left between the teeth and under the gums is generally considered as a major cause of tooth decay and pyorrhea, many dentists are presently advocating the usage of dental massage as a prophylactic measure against decay and disease.

While in ancient times, the finger had to serve as the means of massaging the gums or gingiva, the introduction of the toothbrush enhanced the possibility of doing it more effectively, in that the bristles of the brush penetrated to some extent between the teeth. However, there are many serious drawbacks inherent in the utilization of toothbrushes for gum massage and tooth cleansing. These include the stiffness of the bristles as well as their arrangement and the question of adaptation to the varying structure and reaction of the gingiva in different individuals. More refined, but also more complicated methods of toothbrushing have been rejected as impractical by many experts while there has also been increased interest shown as to the vigorousness and frequency with which the toothbrush should be used.

The toothbrush, unlike the present invention, is associated with considerable potential injury to the soft tissue and very often cannot act to massage the epithelium between the teeth. Thus, however important the toothbrush may be in promoting oral hygiene, its usefulness in gingival massage is inherently limited.

Heretofore, the utilization of dental syringes have been severely curtailed as a result of their complexity, costliness, and the fact that different people require different water pressures due to their age, health and gum conditions. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, the

3,467,082 Patented Sept. 16, 1969 syringe must be adaptable to being cleaned with a minimum of effort and should be capable of being attached and detached from the hydraulic pressure source with a minimum of effort. Furthermore, the design should not permit water to be left within the syringe apparatus and thus run the risk of becoming contaminated.

Numerous devices for this general purpose have been proposed in the past, but have fallen short of the accomplishment of the desired ends in various aspects. Many have been designed to become a permanent attachment to the pressure source or water faucet and do not permit its full utilization since the attached apparatus necessarily interferes with the normal operation and action of the faucet.

The problems and difficulties encountered with conventional dental brushing and syringe devices are obviated by the present invention which provides, in one embodiment thereof, a novel dental syringe having a body including a fluid passageway extending therethrough and communicating at one port thereof with a bell shaped mouth or funnel formed in a fitting employed to detachably couple a syringe portion to the body. Valve means are employed that pass through the passageway transversely to effect the selective flow of fluid therethrough and that incorporates a control means for limiting the extent of valve means communication with said passageway so as to precisely control the rate and volume of fluid flow through said passageway. By this arrangement, the syringe portion may be readily detachably coupled to the body for service or maintenance procedures and when in use, the novel valve means and fluid passageway permit metered control of the fluid intended to issue from the syringe portion.

Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an easily detachable water syringe in which the coupling portion is adapted to be secured to a faucet by hand and which will provide a tight seal against leakage and which cannot be inadvertently overtightened.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel water syringe which may be readily attachable to a universal type of fitting on a water faucet.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water syringe for massaging the gums or gingiva and which is easily adjustable for abnormal as well as normal gums.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a syringe which will remove food particles from between the teeth and will loosen and remove tartar from the teeth.

It is another object to provide a novel dental syringe apparatus which will prevent water from becoming trapped therein which may stagnate and which is capable of being cleaned with a minimum of effort.

Another object of the invention is to provide a dental syringe which is of relatively simple construction and which provides an easily operable pressure regulating means for the control of water pressure.

The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularly in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the novel dental syringe of the present invention shown as being installed to a conventional water faucet;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the dental syringe shown in FIGURE 1 and illustrating a portion thereof broken away to expose the valving means and associated connector fitting incorporated therein;

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism included in the associated connector fitting as taken in the direction of arrows 3--3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary view, in section, of the control means included in the valve means illustrated in FIGURE 2 as taken in the direction of arrows 44 thereof;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view of the dental syringe similar to the view of FIGURE 2 illustrating a modified embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view of the dental syringe similar to the view of FIGURE 5 showing another modified embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 7 is a view similar to the view shown in FIGURE 4 illustrating a modified control means incorporating the present invention; and

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary view, in section, of the modified control means as taken in the direction of arrows 8-8 of FIGURE 7.

Referring to FIGURE 1, a novel dental syringe apparatus incorporating the present invention is illustrated in the general direction of arrow 10 and is shown as being attached to a conventional water faucet 8 in communication with a pressurized source or supply of fluid such as water, for example. The hydraulic dental syringe apparatus 10 includes a valve housing or body 12 which is detachably secured to the dispensing end of the faucet 8 by a suitable threaded arrangement (not shown), a valve means or gate 28 employed to control the flow through the valve housing, and a connection fitting 52 releasably secured to the valve housing for coupling a syringe 80 thereto via a flexible hose 76, Aerator means (not shown) may be incorporated into the housing 12 if it is desired to reduce the force of water passing therethrough.

Referring now to FIGURE 2, the valve housing 12 comprises a threaded portion 14 at one end to facilitate connection to a universal type of fitting as found on the conventional water faucet 8 and a coupling portion 26 at the housing end opposite to the threaded portion 14. The coupling portion 26may be tapered as illustrated to facilitate easier connection thereto. A fluid passageway 18 capable of carrying fluid under pressure is formed in the housing and connects the threaded portion 14 with the coupling portion 26. The passage 18 may be chosen of such a diameter that the pressure of the water passing therethrough may be maintained constant or may be increased, if desired, to facilitate a greater massaging and cleansing effect.

Intermediate the opposite ends of housing 12 and adjacent to the threaded portion 14 is annular land 16 through which the passage 18 opens upon which an annular seal 24 is seated. As the housing 12 is threadably engaged to faucet 8, seal 24 prevents overtightening of the connection and acts to prevent water from escaping through the connection.

The housing 12 is formed with a vertical hole 20 having its central axis substantially parallel to the central axis of passage 18 and a second hole or bore at a substantially right angle to passage 18, and intersecting both passageway 18 and hole 20.

A valve means or gate 28 is situated within hole 22 and is provided with a passage 30 therethrough in selective fluid communication with passage 18 of housing 12. The passage 30 is located on a shank portion 44 of the valve gate 28 which is rotatably mounted to the housing 12. The shank portion 44 has an annular groove portion 34 located between passage 30 and the terminating end of the shank portion which is in substantial alignment with the hole 20 in the housing 12 and arranged to intersect it at a portion of its circumference.

The shank portion is provided with a second hole 32 drilled therethrough in substantial planar alignment with hole 20 and groove 34 such that as the valve gate 28 is rotated, hole 32 is revolved relative to hole 20. A stop pin 36 is disposed within the hole 32 and is of approximately the same length as the diameter of the shank portion 44 of the valve gate 28 so that its opposite ends project into the groove 34 and are located about 180 apart.

After the valve gate 28 is positioned within the hole 22 within housing 12, a pin 38 is placed within the hole 20 such that it intersects the annular groove 34 of the valve gate 28. As the valve gate 28 is rotated within the housing 12, the opposite ends of stop 36 will contact pin 38 so as to prevent the full rotation of the shank portion. The desired amount of rotation is a function of the depth of the annular groove 34 and the distance which the pin 38 passes through the groove and this is best illustrated in FIGURE 4.

The valve gate 28 is provided with a notched shoulder portion 48 formed in the shank portion thereof and an integral head section 42 projecting exteriorly of the housing to which a handle 40 is suitably attached. The notched shoulder portion defines an annular seat 46 which seats a seal 48, The seal 48 bears against a shoulder 49 when the valve gate 28 is positioned within the valve housing 12 and locked into place by the pin 38 and acts to prevent leakage of fluid while permitting the operator to rotate the valve gate 28 with respect to the housing 12. The annular seat 46 of the shank portion 44 in conjunction with a shoulder 49, seat 46 and seal 48 acts to prevent the flow of water between the valve housing 12 and the valve gate 28.

A connector fitting indicated in the general direction of arrow 52 permitting ready attachment and detachment of the fluid dispensing portion of the present invention is provided. A conduit 54 of the connector fitting 52 is in fluid communication with passage 30 of the valve housing 12.

The conduit 54 of the connector fitting 52 is hell shaped at one end to provide a receptacle inlet port 56 adapted to receive the fluid from the passage 30, and an outlet port 58. Lugs 60, that project outwardly, are circumferentially spaced apart in such a fashion as shown in FIG- URE 3 that they will pass between the inwardly extending lugs 26 when they are in one rotary position to permit the connector fitting 52 to be moved axially into and out of engagement with the valve housing 12. When the connector fitting 52 and the valve housing 12 are in full engagement with one another as illustrated in FIGURES l and 2, they are then rotatably relative to one another to a rotary position with the lugs 26 and 60 overlying one another so as to prevent axial movement in a direction to disengage the coupling members from one another. The lower surface of the lugs 60 which engages the up per surface of the lugs 26 is like the upper surface disposed in a radial plane perpendicular to the axis of the coupling members so that there is no wedging or tightening effect which results from relative rotation of the coupling members in one direction or loosening effect which results from relative rotation in the other direction. Consequently, any force tending to move these coupling members longitudinally with respect to each other will not have a tendency to rotate them relative to each other so as to disengage them. The connector fitting 52 has a pair of arms 62 which are provided for ease of handling in engaging and disengaging the fitting 52.

The connector fitting 52 is provided with an elongated leg element 64 formed with a necked section 66 of reduced diameter near a tapered extremity 68 employed to facilitate ready attachment thereto by a hose 76. The flexible hose 76 is preferably composed of an elastomeric material and is removably connected to the leg element 64 and is prevented from disengaging by the neck 66. A coupling 78 is attached in fluid communication with one end of the hose 76. A syringe 80 is rotatably mounted to the hose 76 via coupling 78 so that a greater flexibility in directing the flow of fluid can be attained than can otherwise be had. The syringe 80 has a curved orifice 82 at the extremity thereof opposite to the coupling 78 so as to increase the pressure and accuracy of the issuing fluid.

Referring now to FIGURE 5, a modification in accordance with the present invention is shown of the valve housing 12 and valve gate 28 wherein the receptacle inlet port 56 is formed in the shank portion 44 of the valve gate 28. Similarly, as illustrated in FIGURE 6, the inlet receptacle port 56 is modified to be integral with the valve housing 12 so as to provide an increase in fluid pressure required for the cleansing action of the apparatus of the present invention, if desired.

Referring now to FIGURES 7 and 8, a further modification is shown of the valve gate rotational control means. In place of the stop 36, the shank portion 44 is formed with a deeply slotted area 85 which is in rotatable relationship with the pin 38. As the valve gate 28 is rotated, the extreme opposite corners 86 and 87 defining the slotted area 85, limits the angle that it may turn.

Therefore, it can be seen from the foregoing, that the novel dental syringe apparatus of the present invention provides an improved apparatus suitable for cleansing the teeth and massaging the gums via an issuing fluid stream. The velocity and rate of fluid discharge is readily controllable by means of the valve gate 28 which positions passageway 30' between the portions of passageway 18 between a position of fully open and a position of fully closed. The two positions of the gate means are determined by the engagement of one of the opposite ends of pin 32 with the exterior surface of pin 38 that resides within the groove 34. It is to be particularly noted that the opposite ends of the pin 32 are beveled or otherwise contoured to be made smooth so that a positive stop ensues from the engagement of the pin end with the pin 38 that will not deteriorate or cause pin 38 to become pitted or worn out. Furthermore, various flow rates, pressure levels and velocity characteristics of the issuing fluid stream from nozzle 82 may be achieved by selectively locating the bell mouth port 56 in various locations, such as in the coupling fitting 52, valve gate shank portion 44, or in the valve housing 12. A fluid tight structure is created by employing seals 48 and 70 as well as the flexible closure between the end of hose 76 and element 64. Because of the engagement of lugs 60 and elements 26, the coupling fitting 52 may be readily detachably coupled to the valve housing 12. From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all of the ends and objects hereinabove set forth, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the apparatus.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects, and therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

I claim:

1. In a dental syringe apparatus adapted to be detachably mounted on a water faucet and adapted to be introduced to the mouth of a user for cleansing teeth and for massaging gums, the improvement which comprises:

a housing having a central elongated fluid passageway extending therethrough including means for securing said housing to said faucet;

a fitting rotatably carried on said housing on its end opposite to said faucet securing means and being formed with a fluid passageway coextensive with and coaxially disposed with respect to said housing central passageway;

an elongated, smooth surfaced syringe adapted to discharge a fluid under pressure from a selected end thereof;

a flexible conduit secured at one end to said fitting so as to rotate therewith and secured at its other end to said syringe in fluid transmitting relationship;

a valve rotatably mounted about an axis normal to the axis of said central fluid passageway on said housing and having a shank extending across said central fluid passageway and being formed with an open-ended bore therethrough in rotatable alignment with said central fluid passageway so as to be coaxial therewith in one position to permit fluid flow therethrough and to be lying on an axis normal to the axis of said central fluid passageway in another position to prevent fluid flow;

a first portion of said valve being exteriorly exposed of said housing;

an elongated handle carried on said valve exposed portion for rotating said shank to place said bore in either of said positions for regulating the flow of fluid through said housing;

the other end of said valve shank opposite to its end portion exposed exteriorly of said housing being rotatably seated in said housing on the side of said housing opposite to its side rotatably mounting said valve shank exposed portion; and

stop means carried on said shank other end for limiting rotational movement of said shank.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said shank bore includes a bell shaped port opening into said housing central passageway.

3. The invention as defined in claim 1 including sealing means disposed between said valve and said housing and between said fitting and said housing to prevent fluid leakage therebetween.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 including a bell shaped port formed in said fitting passageway adjacent said housing passageway.

5. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said housing passageway is formed with a bell shaped port formed in said housing adjacent said coupling means.

6. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said stop means comprises an annular groove formed in said shank other end;

a stationary pin carried on said housing and disposed to extend through a portion of said annular groove; and

a pin element carried by said shank other end having its opposite ends projecting into said annular groove whereby rotational movement of said valve is limited by the engagement of said opposite ends with said stationary pin disposed within said portion of said annular groove.

7. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said stop means comprises a deep slot formed in said shank other end; and

a stationary pin carried on said housing and disposed to extend through said slot whereby rotational movement of said valve is limited by the engagement of the terminating ends of said slot with said stationary pin.

8. The invention as defined in claim 7 including coupling means connecting said fitting to said housing to permit relative rotational movement therebetween; and

additional coupling means connecting said flexible conduit to said syringe to permit rotational displacement therebetween.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 568,432 9/1896 Eisenhuth 285-8 964,730 7/1910 Ackerman 128-229 2,212,706 8/1940 Cohn et a1 128-229 XR 3,227,380 1/1966 Pinkston 128-229 XR L. W. TRAPP, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 128-229; 285-8 

